AT&T Williams F1

After just a two week gap since the curtain closer in Brazil, the AT&T Williams team returned to the test track today to begin preparation work for the 2009 season.

Sweeping regulation changes for next year will see teams run significantly reduced aero packages, KERS and slick tyres. With such extensive changes demanded, AT&T Williams will be working in earnest over the winter testing period to ensure a more competitive season in 2009. As such, the team's official test driver, Nico Hulkenberg, was on track today running an interim FW30 chassis with a much reduced new rear wing and Bridgestone's slick tyres.

With nine out of the ten teams represented at Barcelona, Nico recorded the 11th quickest time of the day with a 1:23.467 in a field of 17 race and test drivers.

Dickie Stanford, Test Team Manager:
“Nico Hulkenberg was driving for us today on the first day of winter testing at Barcelona. Running the interim FW30, we concentrated on running slick tyres and testing the 2009 rear wing. Nico completed 116 laps with no problems. Nico Rosberg will take over tomorrow.”